Spent a lovely fall day at the Weir Farm National Historic Site. The CT Plein Air Painters gathered on Sunday and Monday for a group activity. The trees in that area of CT seem a bit more colorful than where I live, but maybe it's an illusion that goes with the wonderful weather. I think about 7 artists from our group showed up on Monday, and I was told a few more attended on Sunday. I immediately found several places in the park that I would like to paint. None of the places were far from a bathroom or water. And the Ranger was nice enough to open the beautifully restored barn so we could gather for lunch or a rest. I settled for a scene in a back field. The peach tree was a blazing red/magenta color, and the early morning light and shadows were terrific and gave the scene a sense of mystery? I was standing in the shade when I started, and about two hours later, I was standing in the sun. It was hot. I was happy to take a water break and change into a short-sleeved shirt. Bugs were not a problem. I am ready for a new umbrella that offers some UV protection.
Plenty of places to paint or sketch . . . stunning rock walls, apple trees, red buildings, and manicured gardens, as well as many natural areas that artists Alden Weir and his friends painted.
Many thanks to the Ranger who gave us a lovely tour of the property and studios. One of the paintings she showed us depicted one of the other sites I chose to paint. I will go back another day or two or three. And, quite possibly, the CT Plein Air Painters will return for a paintout next year on this same weekend.
